NATO fighter jets dramatically intercepted Russian warplanes which were spotted flying over the Baltic Sea, in what appears to be an attempt by Vladimir Putin to test the West’s defences.
According to NATO, two French Mirage 2000-5s were sent to cut off a Russian SU-30-M aircraft after it flew over the Baltic Sea yesterday (Thurs).
The confrontation comes as Putin made an annual address to the nation this week saying his country’s nuclear forces were at “full readiness”.
Mr Putin said the West should keep in mind that “we also have the weapons that can strike targets on their territory, and what they are now suggesting and scaring the world with, all that raises the real threat of a nuclear conflict that will mean the destruction of our civilisation”.
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